Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro has introduced a resolution advocating for New York State to lift restrictions on the struggling bar and restaurant industry in Erie County.

A number of bars and Erie County have challenged the Governor’s Orders in court, leading to a judge’s decision to issue a temporary injunction allowing them to operate under “Yellow Zone” restrictions. Legislator Todaro’s resolution supports the recent legal challenge and urges Governor Cuomo to significantly reduce or eliminate the restrictions he has placed on these struggling small businesses. According to the Governor’s own data, restaurants account for just 1.43% of the spread of COVID-19, with 73.84% of cases coming from household spread.

Legislator Todaro said, “Bars and restaurants have been in serious financial distress since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Governor’s own statistics show these establishments do not contribute to significant spread of COVID-19. It’s time to allow them to open up and operate business as usual. I trust that business owners in Erie County will be safe and smart when it comes to re-opening.”

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.